One of the more underrated storylines for the Arkansas Razorbacks this offseason has been the changing of the guard at punter. With Max Fletcher entering the transfer portal following spring ball, the stage is set for redshirt junior Devin Bale to take the reins after a competitive battle.
During the 2023 season, Fletcher took a massive step forward for the Razorbacks into being one of the SEC’s most effective punters. He earned Second-Team All-SEC honors after averaging 46.9 yards per punt on the year, but it didn’t deter Bale from the competition for the spot in spring practices.
When Fletcher announced his plans to transfer in April, Arkansas special teams coach Scott Fountain understood the decision and felt the Hogs remained in great shape at the punting spot with Bale.
“He’s a great kid, and I think an opportunity to play with his brother had something to do with it,” Fountain said. “When he left, I had great peace. I really did because those two guys, they’re both good punters, and they have really competed. I didn’t feel like there would be a drop-off. I really feel like we have a great punter in Devin Bale.
“I think the biggest thing with Devin, he probably feels like the world has been lifted off his shoulder,” Fountain said. “He’s not having to compete with Max anymore. Those are two really good punters. Devin’s always been a very energetic kid, but he’s becoming a real leader for us, and I hope that carries into the season for us. He’s started off with a really good camp, so far. I’ve been pleased with him.”
During two seasons as the primary punter at Northern Colorado, Bale averaged 41.1 yards on his 103 punts. The La Jolla (Calif.) feels that his redshirt season in 2023 helped take his game to the next level despite not seeing action on the field.
“It was hard, but it was also a really good learning experience,” Bale said. “I got to compete with Max, who was a great punter and one of my really good friends. We competed hard. We learned from each other, and I learned a lot from him.
“It was really awesome to sit back and take in the whole environment and learn from it. It’s a lot different going from Northern Colorado to here, so I think there are positives to both. It’s all working out, so I took a lot from it and am very happy with it.”
While Bale, who was recently put on scholarship for the Hogs, was not exactly expecting his offseason battle to end with Fletcher leaving, it didn’t take long for him to do the math and deduce how it would allow him to solidify his spot as the Hogs’ No. 1 punter.
“It was a little surprising,” Bale said. “It’s definitely a little different, but I’ve learned a lot from him and have taken that. I’ve just been waiting for my chance, so I’m really excited to get it rolling. I’ve still got to earn that job and beat Sam (Dubwig). There’s a lot of good things from Max leaving. I miss him and hope he’s doing well and all that, but it gives me an opportunity, so I’m really blessed. Lot of good things from it for me, as well.”